shipping a car from oregon to alaska: what to know and compare

Routes and modes

Most shippers move the vehicle by truck to a Northwest port, then by barge or RoRo vessel to Anchorage. It's usually the most reliable path, though winter schedules can stretch a bit.

• Portland or Tacoma to Anchorage via barge: steady, weather-aware timetables.
• Truck to Seattle/Tacoma, then RoRo: simple roll-on handling, minimal lift risk.
• Enclosed carrier to port: pricier, added protection if you value finish.

Timing and cost basics

Plan roughly 7 - 14 days in summer, 10 - 21 in winter. Expect about $1,800 - $3,000 depending on port choice, vehicle size, enclosure, and season. Quotes that include marine cargo coverage tend to be more transparent.

Prep and paperwork

1. Wash, photograph, and note existing marks.
2. Leave a quarter tank; remove personal items.
3. Disable alarms; fold mirrors; secure loose parts.
4. Have title/registration and, if applicable, lienholder authorization.
5. Confirm insurance and marine coverage; ask for the bill of lading at pickup.

Quiet qualification: not every schedule survives a storm. A driver met us near a Salem grocery lot, we signed the BOL, and the car reached Anchorage 12 days later - salt-dusted but fine.

Support and accuracy

Verify carrier MC/FF numbers, read port cutoff times, and request tracking updates. Build a one- to two-day buffer for weather and vessel slots; it helps more than you'd think.